Elwan
by Tinariwen
  • Record Label: Epitaph
  • Release Date: Feb 10, 2017
User Score
7.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 30 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 25 out of 30
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 30
  3. Negative: 2 out of 30
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  1. maxicos
    Feb 14, 2017
    9
    I discovered Tinariwen back in 2014 with their great album Emmaar, that combine original tichumaren music with western blues mood.
    The best word to describe the sound of Elwan album is "deepness". Drums, guitars, voices - everything in such low tones, but at the same time everything is very clear. Elwan is not that different from Emmaar in terms of sound, but is slightly better in every    I discovered Tinariwen back in 2014 with their great album Emmaar, that combine original tichumaren music with western blues mood.
    The best word to describe the sound of Elwan album is "deepness". Drums, guitars, voices - everything in such low tones, but at the same time everything is very clear. Elwan is not that different from Emmaar in terms of sound, but is slightly better in every small aspect, the arrangement, the deepness, even the guitar sound sounds slightly better.    … Expand
  2. Music_Observer
    May 16, 2017
    7
    This album displays a truly successful percussive sound with spare but effective polyrhythmic techniques, which is not a surprise given the group’s African heritage, and it rounds out a nice meditative experience with a few surprisingly catchy lines. My Score: 134/180 (Solid) = 7.4/10
  3. xroomie
    Apr 9, 2017
    8
    While this album almost makes the finishing line as one of their best albums, the contribution from non-african musicians really breaks the style and does nothing but confuse the sound and feeling of the record.

Awards & Rankings

27
#27 Best Album of 2017

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
86

Universal acclaim - based on 13 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 13
  3. Negative: 0 out of 13
  1. Dusted Magazine
    Feb 28, 2017
    80
    Higher-end production values and a handful of famous rock guests have little impact upon their fundamental sound, which is a swirl of unfurling guitar lines, massed voices, and clip-clopping percussion. Elwan is not a soundtrack for defeat, but perseverance.
    Read full review
  2. The Line of Best Fit
    Feb 28, 2017
    90
    Elwan is pure rock n’ roll. There is an undeniable swagger and an unfettered attitude of resistance here; no pretension or theater.
    Read full review
  3. musicOMH.com
    Feb 23, 2017
    60
    Their last studio record saw them in upbeat, energetic form, and whilst that playfulness is still present at times on Elwan, there is a conscious grounding too this time around.
    Read full review
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